VECO union files notice of strike

CEBU, Philippines – The rank-and-file workers' union of the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) will file their notice of strike today before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) as they accused the company of unfair labor practices.

VECO Employees Union President Cas Mahilum said that resorting to strike is their last option but they no longer have choice left but to do it.

Mahilum, who was sued for three counts of libel by the management, said that once they go on strike, Veco's power distribution to its customers will be affected.

Mahilum said Veco's rank-and-file union has 239 members including sub-station engineers, linemen, tellers and customer care staff, among others.

Veco spokesperson Ethel Natera said they will issue statement after the union has filed its notice of strike because they don't know yet the grounds for the filing of the notice of strike.

Veco is the second largest electric utility in the Philippines. Natera said they are ready for any eventuality and contingency measures are in place.

Veco serves the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay and the municipalities of Naga, Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanillla and San Fernando.

Mahilum said that if they continue to keep quiet, he will soon be the 18th member/official of the union who would be either terminated or suspended by the management.

He added that his termination is pending after the administrative investigation against him is being wrapped up.

He was facing an administrative investigation on the libel suit filed against him by the management.

Mahilum added that the first libel suit is still pending before the court, while the second libel complaint was already dismissed by the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office last August 5, 2010. A third libel complaint is still pending before the Prosecutor's Office. (FREEMAN)